Today we’d like to introduce you to Christina Dougherty.
Christina, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I have been riding horses since I was 6 years old. Anything horse related has always been a passion of mine. My career in the horse industry, including riding for the Baylor University Big 12 Championship Team, showing on the Southern California circuit and teaching lessons, led me to saddle fitting in 2016. While working for Beval Saddlery, I had the honor of training with Butch Zubrod who passed on an immeasurable amount of knowledge in saddle fit and construction which ignited my passion. His deep rooted knowledge and wisdom fuels my passion to this day. Creating South Coast Saddlery was a product of many years of studying saddles, their construction, fit, and feel for the rider and continues to evolve everyday. I started selling used saddles on a consignment basis for friends and noticed a great need for this service in Southern California. The business grew quickly from a couple saddles in the back seat of my truck, to purchasing a large van to transport saddles with me daily. The van insures that I have a large supply of saddles at every fitting.
Many clients call because they have saddles that don’t fit and I work to create a solution, whether that is adjusting what they currently have or looking at other saddles that are better suited for them and their horse. Integrating a fitting process for clients at their barns or homes, gives me a very thorough idea of what each rider and horse needs as each pair is very individual. When a horse and client finds a saddle they love, it brings me so much joy knowing they will be comfortable. Being able to gauge what saddle each horse needs and bringing the appropriate options to each fitting are vital. The horse’s comfort is a top priority, whether that is a pre-loved saddle or building a completely custom option. Adding Erreplus saddles to my inventory has been a game changer. Their fully custom saddles bridge a gap in saddle fitting and the buttery Italian leather doesn’t hurt either!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
My biggest challenge is time. There are so many people spread out across Southern California and beyond and there is only one of me. I have been able to manage this with the help of very flexible and patient clients! Another obstacle is inventory. Inventory ebbs and flows and having enough inventory to make sure I have options for everyone is something I have to manage.
As you know, we’re big fans of South Coast Saddlery. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
I specialize in English saddles, specifically French and Italian saddles. Because I offer consignment on used saddles, I get a wide variety of brands so my knowledge stretches quite far across English and Western saddles. What sets me apart is that my business is owned and operated by a saddle fitter that has access to a variety of brands. I truly want what is best for the horse and being able to suggest brands that may be more appropriate over others is essential. Pulling up to barns with the “saddle van” is the best feeling because I know that we can be 100% sure that we have tried all options. I live and breathe saddle fitting and wouldn’t want it any other way! Being able to make saddle fitting an “experience” is what makes it so fun. South Coast Saddlery offers fit checks (verify your saddle fits and make adjustments if needed), saddle fittings (finding a “previously loved” saddle or ordering a custom option) and flocking appointments (adjusting the wool in your saddle to fit your horse). We also carry accessories like stirrups and stirrup leathers so you’re fully set up after you purchase a saddle.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
Don’t give up! Owning a business is HARD WORK! Don’t undervalue yourself! My passion for helping horses and their owners is what drives me everyday. Being honest, upfront and true to yourself is key. Always keep learning. I learn every single day. Learn from clients, learn from horses, they all have something to teach us. Having an open mind while being able to work in an industry you love will open doors you never expected.
Contact Info:
- Website: southcoastsaddlery.com
- Instagram: @southcoastsaddlery
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/southcoastsaddleryus
Image Credits
Professional photos by Tish Quirk
